HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT Santa Cruz CONTRACTOR

You wouldn't set out on a road trip without GPS. Don't choose a contractor before checking out our downloadable remodeling checklists. We give you the tools to ensure a happy, headache free Santa Cruz remodeling experience.

Destination home improvment satisfaction!

When it comes to remodeling and finding a reliable Santa Cruz contractor, reading other people’s reviews seems like a helpful place to start. But how do you know that an enthusiastic five star review hasn’t been paid for or made up? Are bad reviews actually from unhappy clients or could they have been submitted by competitors? When a Santa Cruz contractor appears to be recommended by a website, how do you know that the company hasn’t paid for that privilege? Trying to find a reliable Santa Cruz home improvement contractor is a challenge.

Follow our 3 simple steps and feel empowered to make the right decisions and find the right Santa Cruz contractor for you.

How can I make sure that the contractor is responsible for the performance of any subcontractors?

7.

Put it in your contract.

8.

How can I negotiate with my contractor?

8.

Know the terminology contractors use. Know the ballpark local cost. Don’t be afraid be say when you don’t understand. Make sure the contractor does not rush you but takes the time to sit and explain everything. Be specific and clear in your needs and wishes.

9.

Should I use a designer and can my designer take charge and manage the project?

9.

For larger projects a designer can save you time, money and produce a better end result. The designer should be checking the quality of work and products side by side with you, the client.

10.

How do I choose a designer?

10.

Make sure the designer is reliable, with a good reputation and references. Make sure you have the same aesthetic. The designer should offer a fair payment schedule, linked to the payment schedule of the contractor that protects you through to the end of the project. Schedule should be based on project progress rather than dates.

11.

How do I ascertain whether references are genuine?

11.

a) Referral from a friend
b) Reviews from sites that are cross referenced – Yelp, Houzz, Better Business Bureau c) Listen to the contractor’s answers to questions about other projects.

STEP 1

SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PITFALLS TO ENSURE
A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

POSSIBLE PITFALLS

SOLUTIONS

1.

Going over budget.

1.

Declare your budget to be at least 15% less than you can actually afford.

2.

Feeling shy and uncomfortable because your budget is small.

2.

However small your budget, still declare it to be 15% less than you can afford. Don’t feel pressured into going over. Stick to your plan.

3.

Feeling more like a victim than a client.

3.

Choose a contractor who believes that the client is king – or queen!

4.

Not planning for unexpected costs such as finding dry rot or termites.

4.

That is what the extra 15% is there to cover. Assume you will need it.

Check with a specialist before going ahead, particularly if it is a big project. The fundamental structures may have to be upgraded. Better to find out before you embark on your project, not once you are committed.

6.

Assuming that you will be able to easily and frequently communicate with your contractor.

6.

2-way communication is vital. Make sure your contractor listens to you, as much as you listen to him. Make sure you feel comfortable with your contractor during the selection process.

7.

Letting your contractor act as a designer as well.

7.

Designing and contracting are two different jobs. Hire a designer who can monitor the contractor’s work.

8.

Underestimating the time it takes to choose colors, finishes, appliances etc.

8.

Unless you are willing to spend your days, weekends and evenings looking at tiles and comparing faucets, hire a designer who will make the process smoother and quicker.

9.

Assuming that your contractor will not have conflicts with his subcontractors that can affect your timeline.

9.

Make sure your contract covers this and has a penalty clause if the project is not finished on time.

10.

Receiving lower quality than you were promised.

10.

Obtain a detailed breakdown on the scope of work of the products and brands to be used.

11.

Having difficulty getting the final touch ups finished off properly.

11.

Hold back the last payment until the final walk through and you are totally satisfied.

12.

Assuming your project will finish on time and planning an event accordingly.

12.

Always assume your project will take 50% longer. You will be far less stressed. Of course don’t say this to your contractor! If it finishes on time, it is a bonus.

STEP 3

ESSENTIAL POINTS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CONTRACT
FOR A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

A contract is a legally binding agreement between you and the contractor that promises an action. Your bid document will usually become your contract once it is signed. It should spell out the full scope of the project. This is the time to nitpick and scrutinize the document and ask questions about anything you are unsure of. It is so much easier to resolve issues if they are agreed in writing upfront. Don’t be afraid to add to the contract. Don’t rely on the contractor to include everything but do ask him if he thinks anything else should be included to ensure that the job can be successfully completed.

Key information that should be included:

•

Contractor’s name, address and contact information

•

Name of the contact person who will oversee the project

•

License number, proof of licensing and insurance and what the insurance covers. All subcontractors

must have their own workers’ compensation and liability insurance or be covered by the main contractor

•

Full scope of work

•

Total cost of project with individual pricing for agreed items

•

Itemized list of materials, with specific brands noted if requested. If the contractor

is willing to give you the itemized price as well, so much the better

•

A clause that allows you to purchase and provide material yourself if the contractor needs

to substitute an item, or you do not like what the contractor selects or the price he is offering

•

A clause that states that the client and the designer will sign and approve certain agreed